Westridge School Upgrades to Safer, Sustainable IFR Stage Curtains

Westridge School in Pasadena recently underwent a campus-wide upgrade of soft goods, including the stage curtains in the historic Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center and Braun Theatre. Rose Brand designed, fabricated, and installed new inherently flame-retardant (IFR) curtains, sustainable fabrics, and acoustical wall treatments to replace the school’s aging cotton drapery. Thanks to the rigging expertise of the Rose Brand West installation team, the project brought new life to the Westridge stages—creating safer, greener, and better-sounding performance environments for students.

What Are IFR Stage Curtains and Why Are They Safer for Schools?

The new curtains are custom made with inherently flame retardant (IFR) Encore and ReVive velours. Unlike traditional cotton velours that require repeated chemical treatment, these modern synthetics are designed to remain flame-retardant for the life of the fabric. Rose Brand’s IFR stage curtains help schools like Westridge maintain fire code compliance, reduce maintenance costs, and keep students safe from the spread of fire.

“These curtains are not only safe, they’re beautiful. Gone are the days of expensive cleanings and harsh chemical fireproofing treatments. These curtains are fireproofed for the life of the fabric.”
— Rob Siminoski, Westridge School Technical Director

How Sustainable Theatre Curtains Support Environmental Goals

Sustainability is a priority for many school districts. The main curtain in the Fran Norris Scoble PAC is constructed with eco-friendly 22 oz. ReVive Synthetic Velour, which is created from recycled plastic waste. This curtain alone saved over 5,700 plastic bottles from oceans and landfills. Schools, theatres, and environmentally-conscious businesses are turning to Rose Brand’s ReVive to lower their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals.

How Acoustical Curtains Improve the Auditorium Environment

Not only will a new set of Rose Brand drapes refresh the look of your stage, but they’ll boost the sound quality, too! Along with the main curtains and masking drapes, Rose Brand provided acoustic curtains throughout the auditorium. These heavyweight velours absorb reflected sound, creating a more immersive environment for the audience and performers. A full acoustic treatment can reduce the noise spillover into classrooms and hallways, ensuring minimal disruption during assemblies and events. Acoustic panels can also be matched to the school’s colors, adding a dramatic flair to any space without the need for reconstruction or painting hassle.

Why Professional Installation Matters for School Theatres

School theatres operate on tight schedules, so choosing the right partner to meet deadlines is essential. Rose Brand West’s Installation Team managed fabrication, on-site coordination, and rigging for Westridge’s gorgeous new drapes. With decades of experience, the installation team was able to identify and fix several issues with the existing track system instead of a full replacement. This saved the school time and money, ensuring a turnkey auditorium upgrade without disrupting school activities.

“With the help of our partners at Rose Brand, I am proud to have overseen the purchasing and installation of these new curtains to help support the next generation of young performers who will take a bow on these stages while limiting our impact on the environment.”
— Rob Siminoski, Westridge School Technical Director

Your Partner in Safe, Sustainable School Auditorium Upgrades

Westridge now has safe, sustainable, and performance-ready theatre spaces that will serve its students for years to come. If your school is considering auditorium curtain replacement, IFR theatre drapery, environmentally-friendly stage curtains, or professional curtain installation services, Rose Brand is ready to help as your partner in production.